I am currently using a 2000 Compaq PC still going well but slow, now is the time for me to update. I just want to buy a box as I have a good 19" flat screen monitor. What is the minimum I should go for. I am not a gamer but use it for surfing the net, running a small business on ebay, using microsoft office and money. Storing pictures, music for my ipod. What is the minimum spec I should look for. What about a refurbished machine from PC World etc. Any good ideas would be appreciated. Thanks a lot

What is your budget.

I would definitely get Windows 7 as the OS.

Here is a Newegg search for Windows 7 installed on models between $300 & $400.

Newegg has a few models under $300 but I would consider that a minimum price for a decent desktop PC.

Newegg.com - PCs & Laptops,Desktop PCs,Desktop PCs,$300 - $400,Home / Home Office,Windows 7 Home Premium

Thanks for the reply. My budget us up to $550 (£420). I am in the UK so will not want to pay US postage as you quoted figures in US dollars. A suitable spec. would help me in my search as I would like this purchase to last as long as my last! I am definately not technically literate when it comes to computing. I am OK at turning it on but not a lot more. More help needed I think! Kind regards to you all.

From a search at PC World I picked this in your price range:

HP Pavilion Slimline s5110uk Desktop PC. Cheap HP home and office computers from PC World.

Hope the link holds up.

HP Pavilion Slimline s5110uk
Product code: 125432

The model listed is Vista but it offers the Windows 7 Upgrade:

PC World UK Computer Superstore - Buy cheap computers, laptops, desktop PCs, printers, LCD TVs, sat nav, digital cameras and more...


* Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5200 processor
* (2.5GHz, 2MB Cache)
* Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium
* 3GB memory
* 320GB hard drive
* Integrated graphics
* DVD Rewriter
* 6x USB ports

For your desires this looks good to me.

Let us know if you desire more details or other ideas.

Dear Jephree,

Thank you for your recommendation. I am off to my local PC World store with money in pocket to buy!!!

Kind Regards,

Tibs 47

Cool.

Let us know how it goes or if we can help further in the future.

PC world did not have the model you suggested so based on your advice I went for a Compaq Dual Core Intel Processor with 4 Gb of ram and 500 Gb of storage. Now successfully set up. Boy is it fast compared to my old machine. Thank you very much again for your advice it was very valuable. It does all I want and more.
Regards,
Tibs47

Thanks for the update.

Enjoy it!

Hi have a look at Novatech and Aria they both do quite good deals. I have used both and found their service very good.